We all know that the workplace can be an intimidating, and sometimes even toxic, environment if the right amount of care and focus isn’t put into making it an inclusive and supportive one. With so much research coming out on the importance of mental health and its effects on our performance and wellbeing, it only makes sense that our workspaces should prioritize looking after our mental health too. In this article, we’ll be looking at how creating a supportive work environment can help us better manage our mental health while at work.
1. The Importance of Mental Well-Being at Work
It’s no surprise that our mental wellbeing can affect our work days. In todays’ busy work environment, it’s important to recognize the importance of taking care of our mental health. Here are some ways we can maintain mental wellbeing in our work environment:
- Set healthy boundaries: Stay conscious of when our working hours start and finish. Make sure to take regular breaks during the day, and don’t bring work home. Be sure to switch off devices and take time away from work.
- Encourage meaningful conversations: Creating a positive atmosphere in the workplace helps to cultivate a sense of wellbeing amongst employees. Engage in conversations with colleagues that move away from just completing tasks and towards making connections and building relationships on a human level.
- Encourage physical activity: Make the time for physical activities such as yoga, stretching and walking during the work day. Those activities help to relax body and mind, increase blood flow and boost energy – all of which have a positive effect on our mental wellbeing.
At the end of the day, all of us have a responsibility to make sure our mental wellbeing is given the same care as our physical health. By taking small steps to look after our mental health, we can ensure our work days are productive, engaging and positive.
2. Strategies for Providing Mental Health Support in the Workplace
Creating a Supportive Environment
Workplace mental health support starts with the environment. An environment that fosters honest communication, respect and understanding is likely to have fewer mental health issues to begin with. Strategies to create such an environment include fostering open dialogue and feedback between colleagues, setting clear and achievable expectations, and recognizing accomplishments when they are achieved.
Maintaining a Work-Life Balance
Creating a culture of work-life balance can help prevent or reduce workplace stress. Employees should be encouraged to take regular days off, and not to work excessively long hours. Further, employers should look to create understanding and flexible working environments. This might include creating an environment where employees feel comfortable taking a break, and not having to answer emails outside of standard working hours.
Introducing Policies and Procedures
Putting policies and procedures in place can also create an environment which supports mental health. For example, introducing a mental health Support team, outlining a clear guide for when and how people can access professional support, and initiating regular mental health check-ins.
Educating Employees
Education and training programs can be implemented to reduce stigma surrounding mental health, and to increase knowledge of mental health diagnoses, treatments and proper supportive responses when working with people with mental illnesses. These programs should focus on both employees and management.
3. Ways to Encourage Open Communication Surrounding Mental Health
The importance of open communication surrounding mental health cannot be overstated. By opening the lines of communication, people can find the support they need to manage their mental health more effectively. Here are three simple :
- Create the right environment. The environment in which mental health conversations take place is just as important as the conversation itself. Make sure the environment is comfortable for all people involved. Consider holding conversations in an area that is free from judgement and distractions, such as a private office or home.
- Encourage active listening. Open communication is a two-way street. Encourage people to listen to each other as much as they speak. That means actively listening instead of waiting to talk, without interruption or judgement. Active listening will enable people to get more insight into the challenges and concerns of others.
- Encourage empathy. Empathy is key when it comes to fostering open communication. It’s important to remember that everyone has their own experiences and perspectives. Learning to understand one another allows us to be more connected to the feelings of others.
By creating the right environment, encouraging active listening, and practicing empathy, we can foster a culture of openness around mental health. This will empower people to seek help and get the support they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives.
4. Benefits of a Mentally-Supportive Adjustment Environment
Creating a mentally supportive environment for adjustments can benefit many different aspects of business. It’s a surefire way to ensure improved morale, increased productivity, and a more creative well- throughout the process of transition.
Encouraging Positivity
A mentally supportive adjustment environment helps to encourage positive thinking. When changes occur, it can be easy to become overwhelmed and fixate on the negative. When employees feel supported and optimistic about the changes taking place, they will be more enthusiastic about undertaking new tasks. With positive attitudes and open minds, employees can come up with creative solutions to any challenges they face.
Spurring Creativity
When a workplace is mentally supportive it encourages employees to express their creative ideas. Instead of feeling stifled by fear of judgement or resistance to change, employees will feel empowered to share their ideas. In turn, this can help keep the workplace diverse and provide fresh perspectives when it comes to problem-solving.
Boosting Performance
One of the greatest benefits of a mentally supportive environment is the improved performance of all employees. When employees feel supported and motivated, they will naturally be more productive. This positivity and energy will trickle down throughout the workplace, quickly improving overall performance in no time.
- Encouraging positivity
- Spurring creativity
- Boosting performance
5. Best Practices for Establishing a Positive Mental Health Culture in the Workplace
Create a Clear Mental Health Policy
When it comes to mental health, having a policy in place gives your team something to refer to when it comes to making sure everyone feels safe at work. Establishing a set of rules that everyone needs to abide by gives team members the confidence in knowing that their employers value their mental health. Include regular check-ins, create a code of conduct to address mental health issues, and set clear boundaries between work and home.
Prioritise Education
Empowering all team members with knowledge is important in order to ensure that everyone knows how to recognise, talk about, and support their colleagues with mental health issues. Provide mental health talks and training sessions to help educate team members on signs and symptoms to look out for, and avenues for support. This creates an environment of openness where discussions are welcomed instead of shied away from.
Lead by Example
Leaders within an organisation have the power to shape the entire company culture, so it’s important to create an accepting and supportive atmosphere. Managers should set an example for their team by speaking up and being open about mental health, and by being approachable and understanding when it comes to talking about sensitive issues. Lead by example and create an open dialogue where team members feel comfortable doing the same.
Encourage Healthy Habits
Prioritise overall wellness and support healthy activities that can be done in the workplace. For example, provide healthy snacks to fuel the team and give everyone a break in the working day. Encourage team members to take time off to rest, and to have regular check-ins with each other to share successes, progress, and even any frustrations. This encourages team members to keep each other in the loop and builds trust among colleagues.
Mental health in the workplace is not a simple issue, but it is one that needs consistent attention and improvement. By creating a supportive work environment, we can make huge strides towards better supporting the wellbeing and success of all employees, ensuring that we have healthier and happier workplaces. With our conscious efforts towards creating such spaces, the potential for positive mental health outcomes – for our workforce, and our businesses – is limitless.
